Reverend Elmer "Jack" James

The Reverend Elmer “Jack” James, 87, of Cleveland, went to his Heavenly Home on April 2, 2018.  He was born February 23, 1931 to the Rev, J.C. James and Lissie Garrett James in Bradley County, TN.

Rev. James was a well known Baptist minister.  He pastored Ball Play Baptist church in Old Fort for 21 years and pastored South View Baptist church in Cleveland for 6 years.  He conducted revival meetings in Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina and West Virginia.  He also enjoyed farming, gardening, fishing and traveling.   He worked as a cattle and poultry farmer for ConAgra and Pilgrim’s Pride.  He loved riding the tractor throught the hayfields.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William “Bunk” James and J.D. James and sisters, Rosa Lee James and Irine James Dalton.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mittie Bonita Brackett James; daughter, and son-in-law, Patricia and Darrell Day of Cleveland; granddaughter, Brittany Day of Murfreesboro; grandson and wife, Dustin and Julie Day, of Cleveland; great-granddaughters, Callie and Laura Day; nieces, nephews and other extended family members also survive.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 6, 2018 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with the Reverend James Vaughn, the Reverend Cecil Williams and the Reverend Darren Fansler officiating.  Interment will follow in Hilcrest Memorial Gardens with Dustin Day, Josh Williams, Rev. Terry Webb, Rev. Chuck Peels, Rev. Matthew Harris, Rev. Daniel White, Larry Lee, David Hawkins and Freddie Rush serving as pallbearers.   A white dove release ceremony and playing of the bagpipes will conclude the service.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at the funeral home.

It is the family’s request that no food be provided and in lieu of flowers please donate to, The Gideon’s International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251,Washington, DC 20090-7251.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the James family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.